How to detect prostate cancer early?
Undergo a test
The purpose of the tests is to detect prostate cancer in the early stages, before the disease progresses. There are two common initial screening tests. Depending on the result, you may be referred to a urologist for a biopsy. These initial tests are:
- Rectal examination
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
The PSA blood test seeks to identify a protein in the blood that is specifically produced by prostate cells.
An elevated or rising PSA level alone does not always mean that a man has prostate cancer. PSA levels may increase with age and other benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. To diagnose prostate cancer, you will need to undergo a prostate biopsy.
Biopsy
Depending on the results, you may be referred to a urologist in order to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and a biopsy. This is the only way to determine the presence of a cancer.
Fusion biopsy
This is another type of biopsy which uses the images obtained from the MRI scans and real-time ultrasound images. Using a computer programme, the images obtained in the ultrasound scan are fused, or merged, with those of the previously-performed prostate MRI. This allows lesions to be located with greater accuracy. Samples will be taken from the lesion and from the rest of the prostate. The prostate samples will be sent to the anatomopathologist (a specialist who analyses and studies the tissues). After analysing the samples under a microscope, they will confirm whether or not the patient has cancer. If they do have cancer, the anatomopathologist will also confirm how aggressive it is.
We suggest that you talk with your doctor to see whether or not you need to undergo a PSA blood analysis.
Together you can decide on the best way to proceed.